Ichigo is back in the real world and back at school. Later, whilst defeating a Hollow Ichigo meets Hirako Shinji, a Vizard. Meanwhile, a powerless Ishida is being attacked by a Hollow and is only saved by the sudden appearance of his father.

Isshin and Urahara talk about an upcoming war in which the Vizards, Arrancar, Shinigami and humans will all be involved. Hirako is still trying to talk Ichigo into joining the Vizards but isn't doing a very good job of persuading him. As such Sarugaki Hiyori decides to make him try harder.

Ichigo is depressed and wonders about what Shinji told him. Karin demands to know what is going on saying that she knows about Ichigo being a Shinigami. Before Ichigo can address Karin's concerns he is called away by the arrival of an Arrancar however Orihime and Chad arrive first.

Ichigo runs into trouble fighting Yammy, and it is only the arrival of Urahara and Yoruichi that saves him and his friends. Afterwards, Ichigo becomes depressed because he wasn't strong enough to protect those he cares about. Meanwhile, a group of powerful Soul Reapers arrive from Soul Society to defeat the Arrancar.moreless

Rukia helps Ichigo over come his depression about not being able to help his friends. Afterwards the Shinigami explain more about the Arrancar and exactly what kind of enemies they will be facing from now on.

Ulquiorra shows his report to Aizen and his fellow Arrancar, and Grimmjow questions why he didn't kill Ichigo when he had the chance. Meanwhile, Matsumoto talks to Orihime about why she has been so depressed recently.

After the Arrancar arrive, Ichigo and Chad are forced to take a step back from the fight so that Rukia can show them her true power. Meanwhile, Keigo makes a deal with Ikkaku after being saved from an Arrancar.

Ikkaku continues his fight with the Arrancar and is finally beginning to enjoy himself. Unfortunately, his opponent is much stronger than he first seems and Ikkaku is forced to release his Bankai in order to survive. Meanwhile, Grimmjow easily cripples Rukia, leaving only Ichigo.

Whilst finishing his fight with the Arrancar Ikkaku thinks back to the day he first met Zaraki Kenpachi and lost a sword fight to him. He also looks back at his time in Kenpachi's squad and remembers his resolve to become stronger.

Hitsugaya, Renji, and Matsumoto continue their battles, but all of them are struggling. However, things change when the limits placed on the Soul Reapers' powers are released, and the Arrancar must face a captain at full strength. Meanwhile, Ichigo is forced to use Bankai in his battle against Grimmjow.

Hitsugaya, Matsumoto and Renji finally get permission to release their limiters and go all out against the Arrancar. Grimmjow shows Ichigo the vast difference in power between an Espada and a regular Numeros. Meanwhile, Keigo brings home Ikkaku and Yumichika to meet his sister Mizuho.

In Hueco Mundo, Kaname brings Grimmjow before Aizen for his disobedient actions in the real world. After their battles with the Numeros, everyone reflects on the grim situation. Chad asks Urahara to train him to be more powerful, and Ichigo seeks out the Visored.

Ichigo and Hiyori face off, but Ichigo has great trouble holding his own. Hiyori urges him to use his Bankai, but he is reluctant due to fear of losing control. Instead, the Visored have Ichigo train in endurance before teaching him how to subdue his inner Hollow.

Ichigo continues his inner struggle with his alter ego. As the battle continues, he sees illusions of past foes who impart advice. Also, the Visored begin taking turns battling against Ichigo's outer body, which has almost been completely taken over by his Hollow-half.

Ichigo finally regains his resolve to fight, and more importantly regains control of his body. Meanwhile, Aizen's true target is revealed to be the King's Key, a duplicate of which can be made only by extracting 100,000 souls from the spirit-enriched Karakura Town.

Hitsugaya speaks with Hinamori, who apologizes for falsely believing he could have assassinated Aizen. Ichigo spends him time training his Hollow form with Hiyori. Orihime finds the Visored's hideout, and relays to them what she knows about Aizen's plans. Ishida continues to train with his father, but his strength begins to waver.

Urahara tells Orihime that he doesn't want her fighting in the upcoming war against Aizen, as her abilities are not suitable for the frontlines. Later Hiyori brings Orihime back to the hideout at Hachi's behest, and he revives Tsubaki and echoes Urahara's warning not to fight.

While searching for the source of the flute sound, Matsumoto and Shouta come across an Arrancar. It is quick to attack Shouta, but Hitsugaya comes to his aid. The Arrancar then displays how it has the ability to duplicate itself, and the team must find a way to reveal the original Arrancar. Later on, Shouta manages to find what he had been searching for.moreless

At the park, Shouta tells Matsumoto the story behind why he was searching for Yui. Meanwhile, Hitsugaya makes a discovery that could help them in the battle against the pseudo-Arrancar. Hitsugaya's team plans to protect both Yui and Shouta, but another revelation makes this task far more complicated.

Matsumoto tries to get to Shouta as Yui tries to get him absorbed. Yui regains some control just as the psuedo-Arrancar who has been hiding in the shadows all this time, makes an appearance, ambushing them with more clones and absorbing Yui. Matsumoto must hold off the Arrancar and protect Shouta long enough for Hitsugaya and the others to arrive and put an end to this monster.moreless

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